Island of Hope

Hope is that thing that sees through walls, breaks through barriers, and propels dreams into reality.

Kayla believed Zach was the man to repair her heart and her family. Zach believed Kayla was the woman to repair his soul. Despite numerous struggles and tragedies, the Middleton and Kelly families live humble and faith-filled lives on the Atlantic Ocean resort town of Chincoteague Island, Virginia. The tight-knit families represent everything Nick Black hopes to have – loving parents, welcoming homes, and stable lives, but a broken heart confirms his belief that he is worthy of everlasting happiness.

Taylor Murray wants nothing more than to be one of the world-famous Chincoteague Island Saltwater Cowboys, but a long-standing tradition stands in her way and pits her against her friends and neighbors. Brought together by a sudden tragedy, Nick and Taylor must navigate the waters of death, darkness, and despair in order to discover that miracles abound, promises are fleeting, and hope is a necessity for the families on Chincoteague Island.

Excerpt

Dad, please, wake up.

Taylor continued the internal plea as she and her mother administered CPR, each word punctuated by the thrust of her palms into her father’s chest. In the distance, she heard the wail of a siren.

Jenny, younger than Taylor by six years, stood and craned her neck. “There’s a police car coming.” She waved to the driver and ran to the car as it came to a halt in the driveway.

“My dad—we think he’s had a heart attack. My sister and my mom are doing CPR.”

Taylor continued thrusting, only glancing up at the approaching officer. She didn’t recognize him but didn’t have time to think about that. She kept to her task but felt him drop to the ground beside her.

“Let me take over.” The officer nudged her as the ambulance turned onto the lane.

“I’ve got it.”

“Your breathing is labored, your face is beet-red, and you’re not going to do him any good if you pass out.”

As if to back him up, a stream of sweat ran into her eye, momentarily fogging her vision. She quickly moved aside, and he took over.